Cle Elum area winter snowshoeing and crosscountry ski trails

CLE ELUM RIVER VALLEY

Please, park in designated areas only where signing is located.Nearest Services: Gas, groceries, food, restrooms, and telephones can be found at the Last Resort or businesses in Roslyn, Ronald and Cle Elum.

Cle Elum Valley Sno-Parks and Other Plowed Parking:

*Salmon la Sac Sno-Park: Exit 80 via I-90, follow to Roslyn. Take a left onto highway, State Route 903, go approximately 18 miles to Salmon la Sac, take a right off SR 903, continue about ¼ mile to plowed parking area, 70 spaces, shared use. Sno-Park permit required. *Last Resort Restaurant and Mini-Mart Gas Station- no permit required.*Newport Creek- single vehicles only, no trailers. No permit required.*French Cabin Creek (close to Cle Elum River Campground)- shared use, no permit required.*Howson Creek- single vehicles only, no trailers. No permit required.

Salmon la Sac Campground Loops:

In winter, this popular Forest Service campground, situated at the confluence of the Cooper and Cle Elum Rivers at the end of the paved Cle Elum Valley road, offers about three miles of marked ski/snowshoe loop trails. The trails follow the summer access roads through the campground. The track-set loops are accessed via a bridge across the Cle Elum River shortly upstream from the historic guard station. It's an ideal spot for kids and parents to enjoy traveling together on skis or snowshoes through a snowy forest on flat ground, with the possibility of fine views up and down the valley. The campground loops are restricted to non-motorized use and are marked by orange snow poles. These loops will be track-set on Saturdays by a Forest Service volunteer (weather and conditions permitting). No fee is charged for the use of these trails. See parking details above.

Be sure to park in designated/signed areas only!

Cayuse Campground/Sno-Park Tie Trail:This trail covers flat ground and is a fine alternative approach to the Salmon la Sac Campground Loop Trails for those who would rather not share the road with snowmobiles. From the Sno-Park at the end of S.R. 903, (right turn off of hwy.) follow the blue diamond ski trail signs which will lead you from the Sno-Park to the Historic Salmon la Sac Guard Station via a forest trail in about 1 mile. The trail passes Cayuse Horse Camp enroute, which is the summertime staging area for Forest Service horse-packers.

Jolly Mountain Road, #4315: This logging road leaves the Sno-Park at the end of S.R. 903 (2400 ft. elevation).

Follow the blue diamond ski trail markers, which should be visible from the Sno-Park. The road starts out on flat ground. It soon begins to climb and switchback up through some huge clear-cuts. These may offer fine downhill runs once all stumps are adequately buried with snow and snow conditions are favorable. Views up and down the valley are impressive.

Adventuresome and energetic travelers can continue from the end of the Jolly Mt. Rd. (5200 ft.) to the top of Jolly Mt. along a ridge. Be aware that the ridge may be windblown, icy, corniced and generally inhospitable. The area is designated as a "Voluntary Non-Motorized" area; signing requests snowmobilers to avoid riding in the area.

French Cabin Creek, Roads #4309 and 111 spur (north and south from the main road #4308): The French Cabin Cr. Road is a left turn off of S.R. 903 about 15 miles upriver from the town of Cle Elum. Utilize the plowed designated parking area along the main highway. No permit required. Cross the Cle Elum River Bridge and continue for a short distance along the groomed snowmobile route, which is maintained on the French Cabin Cr. Rd, #4308. Look for roads leading left and right off of this main groomed route, it is not a marked ski route. Here the ski opportunity is over fairly flat, gentle rolling terrain along the river corridor and open area at the head of the lakebed.

--To the right road #4309 heads north along the river bottom for about a mile, crosses Thorp Creek Bridge and soon begins to climb into clear-cuts, which offers some fun downhill runs once the stumps are snow covered. Although snowmobiles are allowed here, it is not a heavily used route. The views can be great once you climb out of the valley bottom. The Cle Elum River provides a buffer from the bustle of the highway and Sno-Park. Adventuresome sorts who enjoy off road travel may want to continue along the river for about another mile without benefit of road or trail to the Cooper River Rd. At that point you can re-cross the Cle Elum River at the Cooper Bridge and reach S.R. 903.

--To the left once across the French Cabin Creek Bridge, spur road #111 heads south off of the main road and leads onto the flats at the head of Lake Cle Elum.

Snowmobiles occasionally venture out this road, but it in not a heavily traveled route. There are fine opportunities for flatland touring here along the Cle Elum River. Absence of tree cover at the upper reaches of the lake allows for long-range views up and down the valley.

TEANAWAY RIVER VALLEY

Nearest Services: Gas, groceries, food, telephones, lodging in Cle Elum and Ellensburg. Mineral Springs Restaurant and the Liberty Café located along Highway 97 are the closest restaurant options.

Jungle Creek Road:The Jungle Cr. Road begins at the plowed parking area on the North Fork Teanway Road, crosses the Teanaway River on a bridge, and climbs to the ridge crest which separates the North Fork from the Middle Fork of the Teanaway River in about 4 miles. The Rye Creek Road turns left off the Jungle Creek Road just past the bridge.

Rye Creek is a popular snowmobile route. Although the North Fork parking area is increasingly used by snowmobilers, one will seldom find a snowmobile venturing even a short way up the Jungle Creek Road. This area has been designated as a "Voluntary Non-Motorized" areas. The road climbs at a moderate grade along Jungle Creek through forest, ending at an area known as Liar's Prairie. For those in need of further adventure, Teanaway Butte can be reached from here by climbing southeast through scrubby timber and clear-cuts. Be forewarned that although Teanaway Butte is a worthy destination, this area can be overflowing with snowmobiles on almost any winter or spring weekend. You'll find that weekdays are much calmer.

North Fork Teanaway Road, #9737:This road leads northwest out of the plowed parking area, and is groomed (not track set) the first 3 miles to Beverly Campground. Unfortunately, it's a popular snowmobile route, which accesses high, challenging terrain. It is heavily used by so-called "high-markers", snowmobilers using very powerful, fast and loud sleds to climb as high as they can on steep slopes. Non-motorized travelers on this road should be prepared to get out of the way of speeding snowmobiles, particularly on weekends. Interestingly enough, the first mile of road can be handily avoided by traveling either along the river bottom or on a bench above the road. No trail here, but the road is within sight most of the time and there is little chance of getting confused.

Bean/Beverly Creek: About three miles from the parking area up the North Fork Teanaway road #9737, is the Bean/Beverly Creek road, which leads to some great skiing up on the ridge. It is recommended for the advanced skier only with telemark opportunities in large basins towards the top of the ridge. It's a hike up, good snow conditions, great spring skiing. Be aware of avalanche conditions. This area has been designated a "Voluntary Non-Motorized Area"; signing requests snowmobilers to avoid riding in the area.

Stafford Creek Road: About a mile from the North Fork Teanaway/ Jungle Creek junction the Stafford Creek road veers to the right off the main road. It follows the creek on an easy grade for approximately three more miles to the Miller Peak trailhead. This road usually has snowmobile tracks on it, but is not a heavily used route and can be a most enjoyable ski or snowshoe route, especially mid-week. There is often a snowmobile track wide enough to skate on if one is so inclined. An area at the end of the Stafford Creek road, near the Miller/Bear Trailhead and up onto the ridge (tying in with the Iron Creek area on the other side of the ridge) also has been designated as a "Voluntary Non-Motorized Area".

SWAUK CREEK VALLEY / BLEWETT PASS:

Nearest Services: Gas, groceries, food, telephones, lodging in Cle Elum and Ellensburg. Mineral Springs Restaurant and the Liberty Café located along Highway 97 are the closest restaurant options.

Iron Creek Road #9714: About two miles north of the Mineral Springs Restaurant (and the Forest Service campground of the same name) on U.S. 97 is the Iron Creek Road, on the north side of the highway. Although there is no official Sno-Park here, there is often a well-cleared parking area thanks to the Washington State Department of Transportation. The Iron Creek Road follows an easy grade along the creek for about three miles. The area has been designated as a "Voluntary Non-Motorized Area", signing requests snowmobiles to avoid the area in the interest of cooperation between skiers and snowmobilers. It's starting elevation of 2800' means it is not one of the first routes to be ski-able in the fall, but it offers essentially flat terrain in a pleasant, broad forested valley with a modest six mile round trip to road end and back. A spur road to the right at about mile two climbs steeply and connects with the old Blewett Pass Highway by a circuitous route.

Old Blewett Highway Ski Trail: This trail, which was blazed originally by the Ellensburg Cross-Country Ski Club years ago, begins at the junction of the Old Blewett Pass Highway (#9715) and U.S. 97, about three miles north of the Mineral Springs Restaurant. From the sign board at the plowed parking area at the junction, the trail, marked by blue diamonds and skier signs, heads northeast across a small creek and follows an old skid road parallel to U.S. 97. The trail gradually climbs and leaves the highway, leading through ponderosa pine forest and open meadow areas. Blue diamond blazes show the way. The route remains in the forest and does not lead to spectacular high points, but it is a fine short tour without much elevation gain. Even though the Old Blewett Road junction is often dominated by the snowmobile crowd, this route quickly leaves the smoke and commotion behind for the solitude of snow-filled forest. The trail is a loop of about three miles.

Swauk Campground/Porky Basin: About one mile past the Old Blewett Highway junction with U.S. 97 is the turn-off to Swauk Campground, which is closed for winter, and is a designated Skier Only Sno-Park that requires a permit. Snowmobiles are not permitted. The area is a Designated Non-Motorized Winter Recreation Area. The campground sits on flat ground bordering on Swauk Creek. Although the campground is close to the highway, it is remarkably quiet because the highway begins to climb above the creek valley at this point and the heavy timber seems to soak up the road noise. There is lots of opportunity here for trying out those new skis or snowshoes. From the upper end of the campground one can continue along the creek and reach the Porky Basin Rd. #121 in about 3/4 mile. A bridge leads across Swauk Cr. and up into clear-cuts in Porky Basin. If one proceeds directly from the campground parking area to Swauk Creek, blazes will be seen leading across the creek on a foot bridge and then up a trail which climbs to large sandstone outcroppings above the campground. This trail is a bit steep and narrow for skis, but snowshoers will enjoy climbing up to the rock viewpoint. A blue-diamond marked ski trail starting near the outhouse also crosses Swauk Creek and follows a tributary stream valley. It crosses the tributary and climbs toward the ridge before finally linking with an abandoned logging road. The trail skirts the head of Porky Basin and eventually crosses upper Pipe Creek. A short steep ascent from the creek bottom brings you to the Pipe Creek signed ski trail from which ties in with the junction of roads 9716 and 9712 at an elevation of 5,000 feet. This route offers excellent views, particularly in good weather.

Depending on snow conditions the climb and descent can be treacherous for even accomplished skiers. By staging two cars a fine loop may be made by starting at the Pipe Creek Sno-Park and ending at the Swauk Campground Sno-Park.

Pipe Creek/Swauk Creek Sno-Park Tie Trail: Pipe Creek Sno-Park, along the south side of Highway 97, is about 2 miles up past Swauk Campground. This Sno-Park is one of the very few "officially designated" totally non-motorized Sno-Parks in the state. It is located within the official Swauk Non-Motorized Ski Area bordered by SR 97 on the north, Hurley Creek Forest Road #9711 on the south and #9716 Road to the east. From the Pipe Creek Sno-Park there are two routes marked by blue diamonds. See the bulletin board displaying a map of the area on the highway side of the Sno-Park. The gentler route follows Swauk Creek upstream to Swauk Meadows and eventually links with road #9716. The steeper route begins with a short, fast descent to Swauk Creek before climbing to a saddle at 4500 feet. It parallels Pipe Creek, continues past the junction that ties in with the previously described Swauk Campground trail. At the saddle there is a blue diamond signed route on the left that provides a pleasant loop with views of the Diamond Head promontory. The main blue-signed ski trail continues to the right eventually reaching the junction of road #9716 and #9712. From here you have the choice of following the groomed snowmobile route on #9716 back down to Swauk Meadow (thus making a loop back to the Pipe Creek Sno-Park) or returning via Pipe Creek. Be warned that road #9716 is heavily used by snowmobiles. The Swauk Meadows route has a much less steep grade than the Pipe Creek route.

Wenatchee Ridge Road #800: At Blewett Pass (4100 feet) on U.S. 97 there is a large Sno-Park south of the highway and a smaller one on the north side. This Swauk Sno-Park is dominated by snowmobilers and leads to travel over many miles of groomed routes on Table Mountain. Forest Service road # 9716 begins here but it's not a good choice for non-motorized travel. However about a ¼ mile up the #9716 there is a skier-signed cross-country trail on the left that joins the Tronsen drainage (see below). On weekends the smaller parking area on the north side of SR 97 may be less jammed with snowmobile trailers and RV's than the larger lot.

Forest Road #800 starts from the north side Sno-Park on Blewett Pass. It is a route shared with snowmobiles for the first half-mile. Then, continuing to the left at its junction with road #7324, road #800 becomes a "Volunatry Non-Motorized Area" along Wenatchee Ridge. Road #7324 descends Scotty Creek. The snow machine traffic on #7324 is much less than from the Sno-Park on the opposite side of SR 97. On #800 there is some elevation gain and a few ups and downs, but nothing seriously daunting. The views of the Stuart Range and the Enchantments area of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness on a clear day are impressive. Large clear-cuts sloping north from #800 can offer fine downhill opportunities once the stumps are well covered with snow. The road winds along the ridge for about four miles. A spur road continues at a higher level for another two miles, almost all the way to the Old Blewett Pass Highway. It ends at a log landing in a large and steep clear-cut. One can pick a way down the ridge or ski to the bottom of the cut and reach the Old Blewett Pass Highway summit in less than another ½ mile. From here an energetic skiers can descend to SR 97 either by a four-mile road ski to the south or a six mile road ski to the north (some snowmobile traffic).

Tronsen Meadows Non-Motorized Area:Just north of 4000 ft. Blewett Pass on U.S. 97 is the Tronsen Meadows Non-Motorized

Winter Recreation Area on the Leavenworth Ranger District. There is a maze of roads and trails in this area offering all levels of technical challenge and having in common the official protection from encroaching snowmobiles. Two roads blocked by iron gates access this area. Road # 7245 is nearest the pass and Road # 7240 is perhaps 1/8 mile further down the highway. Neither is an official Sno-Park but the highway department often does a fairly thorough job of plowing parking spots anyway.

When it is actively snowing there is the possibility of being plowed in by plows clearing the highway. Carry a shovel in your car! Maps of this area have been posted at the road heads from time to time but weather and neglect have made them more or less un-readable. Road # 7240 leads up and away from the highway through timber and reaches a clear-cut in about ½ mile. You may either follow the road or climb directly up the cut to access more roads which wind back into Tronsen Basin. Forest road # 7240 also climbs away from the highway. A spur veers right in about ½ mile and leads to a junction with Rd. # 7245. A spur veers left in about another ½ mile and leads to a large clear-cut, which can offer some fun downhill runs. Continuing on the main road you will eventually connect with Rd. # 7245 and can complete a loop back to the highway. There are summertime trails out of Tronsen Basin, which lead up onto Tronsen Ridge, but they are poorly marked and quite steep. Diamond Head, the prominent rock outcropping which hangs over the basin to the south, can be climbed by scrambling directly up from Forest road # 7245. Caution must be exercised here as the terrain becomes steeper and the risk of avalanche becomes more of a threat.

I-90 CORRIDOR- Snoqualmie Pass, Keechelus, Kachess, Cabin Creek and Easton

Interstate 90 slices through the heart of the Cle Elum Ranger District running northwest to southeast between Snoqualmie Pass to the town of Cle Elum providing ample access to many undeveloped and developed winter recreation opportunities. The Summit at Snoqualmie operates the privately developed downhill skiing opportunities at Alpental at the Summit, Summit West (Snoqualmie Summit), Summit Central (Ski Acres) and Summit East (Pac-West/Hyak) ski areas. Developed opportunities for inner-tubing and cross-country ski can also be found. These areas are operated under special-use permit with the Forest Service.

Nearest Services: Gas, groceries, food, restrooms and telephones available at Snoqualmie Pass, Easton, Cle Elum and Roslyn.

Groomed/Sno-Park I-90 Cross Country Ski Opportunities:Keechelus Lake Sno-Park: From I-90 take Exit 54, turn south go about 1 mile and take a right onto the road near the highway department's Hyak work station. Drive about 1 mile to the Sno-Park. Groomed ski trails; 150 spaces.

Crystal Springs Sno-Park: Directions off of I-90, take Exit 62 and turn south and drive to the Sno-Park. The trail begins in the southeast corner of the parking area. There are about 7 miles of trail. The terrain is mostly wooded and flat along Keechelus Lake on abandoned railroad right-of-way, John Wayne-Iron Horse Trail. This trail is great for beginners, young skiers and family outings. Please use the snowsheds; they protect you from avalanche.

Cabin Creek South: Directions off of I-90, take Exit 63, located 11 miles east of Snoqulamie Summit.

Turn south into the Sno-Park. Trail starts at east end of the lower parking area and goes about 6.5 miles ending at Lake Easton State Park. The terrain east to west, along the first two miles is gentle rolling hills along the Yakima River. The remaining 4.5 miles to the state park is steep up and down through clear-cuts and timber. Level of difficulty: it's easiest during the first two miles to the power lines, good for beginners and young skiers. The last 4.5 miles is more difficult and recommended for intermediate skiers.

Lake Easton State Park: Directions off of I-90, take Exit 70. Turn south and follow signs to Lake Easton

State Park. Turn into park entrance, turn right at the stop sign, and drive one mile to the Sno-Park. Trail starts between parking areas and ends at Cabin Creek South Sno-Park. For length, terrain and difficulty see Cabin Creek South Sno-Park description above.

Cabin Creek North: Directions off of I-90, take Exit 63, located 10 miles east of Snoqualmie Summit.

Turn south into the Sno-Park. Trail begins on the north side of the freeway interchange. It's about 6.3 miles (10K). The terrain provides steep hills and tight turns through clear-cuts and timber. This trail was designed for competitive skiing and is rated difficult to most difficult. It is recommended for upper intermediates and advanced skiers.

Price Creek Eastbound: 7 miles east of Snoqualmie Summit, 1-90 eastbound, groomed trails. 100 spaces.

Other Sno-Park Cross-Country Ski Opportunities Along I-90 that are Ungroomed:Gold Creek/ Kendall Ridge Road: one mile north of Hyak via I-90, exit 54, north of exit. There is very heavy use on weekends with inner-tubers, skiers, dog-sledders, snowshoers. Light to moderate use mid-week. A Sno-Park pass is required. 200 spaces.

Groomed snowmobile route Rocky Run. No grooming to Kendall road or Gold Creek.

Lake Kachess: From I-90 Exit 62, go north approximately 4 miles to Sno-Park. A permit is required. Park only in designated areas where signed. Parking is not permitted on county road until you reach the Sno-Park. There is a groomed snowmobile route out of the Sno-Park. Expect fairly heavy snowmobile use in the area on weekends, light to moderate use throughout the week. Beginner and intermediate level ski opportunities. Utilize groomed route for approximately 3 miles to Kachess

Campground, good views up lake.

Amabilis Mountain: Directions off of I-90: take Exit 63, located 10 miles east of

Snoqualmie Summit. Turn south into the Sno-Park. Trail begins on the north side of the freeway interchange near the Cabin Creek Nordic Ski Area. Steep ungroomed road corridor, limited snowmobile use. Recommended for advanced skiers.There are many other backcountry advanced ski opportunities in the area. Inquire at the Snoqualmie Pass Visitor Information Center for specifics.

Information provided courtesy of: US Forest Service .. We recommend using a topographic map of the area and checking avalanche conditions prior to your trip.

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Snowshoeing information and tips for the Cle Elum area in Washington state. I90 snowshoe trails around Snoqualmie pass.